Experiences and Opinions of Economically Active Women on Violence Against Women: The Case of Selected Areas of Work in Maseru

Abstract

The study investigated experiences and opinions of economically active women in the urban area of Maseru district. One hundred and eight women were interviewed about their violence experiences as well as their opinions on ways of eliminating violence against women. Three forms of violence against women namely physical hum, forced sex and prejudiced against women were investigated. Around 60 percent of the respondents reported that they had experienced physical violence and opined that women are prejudiced in the society at large. At a lower level was the prevalence of forced sex at 30 percent. Generally respondents are agreed that laws against perpetrators of violence against women should be intensified by heavy penalties as well as making sure that perpetrators are brought before the courts of law while promoting the rights of women or empowering them was the second most mentioned measure of eliminating violence against women.